Seahawks trade out of 2014 NFL draft’s first round

Fans of the Seattle Seahawks waited nearly four hours for their team to select a player in Thursday’s first round of the 2014 NFL draft.

Well, they’ll have to wait a little longer.

The Seahawks traded the last pick in the first round — No. 32 overall — to Minnesota for the Vikings’ second-round pick (No. 40) and an additional selection in the fourth round (No. 108). That gives the Seahawks seven picks in what’s considered an unusually deep draft pool, including two selections in Friday’s second round.

“Sorry about that,” general manager John Scheider told reporters following the anticlimactic conclusion of the round. But he seemed downright giddy about the way things turned out for Seattle.

“We were blessed,” he said regarding the trade. “That’s exactly what we were hoping for.”

Not that the trade was a foregone conclusion. According to Schneider, the team had a name “ready to go” in New York’s Radio City Music Hall if the Seahawks didn’t receive a trade offer worth taking. But after talking to five or six teams about the slot, Schneider pulled the trigger on the deal with the Vikings.

With receivers such as USC’s Marqise Lee and Indiana’s Cody Latimer still available, plus offensive linemen Joel Bitonio of Nevada and Cyrus Kouandjio of Alabama and defensive lineman Ra’Shede Hageman of Minnesota, the chances seem good that Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll will be able to find a player to help the defending Super Bowl champions upgrade their already talented roster.

“We had a number of players that are suitable for (the No. 40 pick) or for that pick at 32,” Schneider told reporters, noting that numerous “upsets” helped keep the team’s draft board relatively intact. “If the board changes (between Thursday and Friday), one of the cleaners did it.”

Even without a pick, the night was full of drama for Seahawks fans.

Johnny Manziel’s slide to No. 22 overall was the top story of Thursday’s first round. (AP Photo/Jason DeCrow)

The already tough NFC West certainly didn’t get any easier after the St. Louis Rams selected Auburn tackle Greg Robinson No. 2 overall, using the pick they acquired from the Washington Redskins in the 2012 trade that netted Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III. The Rams then took Pittsburgh’s Aaron Donald, who many considered the best interior defensive lineman in the entire draft, at No. 13.

And the Arizona Cardinals helped themselves with a local product — hard-hitting Washington State safety Deone Bucannon — at No. 26 overall. “I wish they would have taken a punter,” Schneider said, while San Francisco followed suit with pick No. 30, grabbing Northern Illinois safety Jimmie Ward.

But the storyline of the first round was the slide of former Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel. Manziel was rumored to have been a consideration for the Houston Texans at No. 1 overall, and was not expected to last past the top 10 picks. But he slid all the way to the Cleveland Browns — who engineered their third trade of the night to nab him at No. 22 — waiting nearly three hours after the picks started before his selection.

Things went according to script early, with the Texans kicking things off by selecting South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney at No. 1. But the evening got interesting in a hurry when Jacksonville — needing a quarterback — passed up on 2012 Heisman-winner Manziel, selecting Central Florida’s Blake Bortles instead.

The Buffalo Bills then swapped picks with the Browns, moving up five spaces to select dynamic Clemson receiver Sammy Watkins, while the Oakland Raiders solidified their pass rush with the selection of Buffalo linebacker Khalil Mack at No. 5. The Atlanta Falcons then took care of a big need at offensive tackle with Texas A&M’s Jake Matthews, with former teammate Mike Evans going next to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The second trade of the night again involved the Browns, who came up one slot to take Oklahoma State cornerback Justin Gilbert. The Minnesota Vikings then selected UCLA pass-rusher Anthony Barr, with the Detroit Lions’ selection of North Carolina tight end Eric Ebron rounding out the top 10.

Overall, the first round featured three selections at quarterback and five each at wide receiver, offensive tackle and cornerback.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleaders perform at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleaders perform at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks fans Kevin Chan, left, and Sarah Rithvixay, right, take a "selfie" photograph with the Super Bowl Vince Lombardi Trophy as they attend the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gal cheerleader carries a sign announcing the 12th pick of the first round of the NFL football draft, the selection by the New York Giants of Louisiana State wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. during the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gal cheerleader carries a sign announcing the 12th pick of the first round of the NFL football draft, the selection by the New York Giants of Louisiana State wide receiver Odell Beckham ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks fans cheer just before it was announced that the Seahawks traded their 32nd pick in the first round of the NFL football draft to the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, May 8, 2014 during the Seahawks draft party at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

Seattle Seahawks fans cheer just before it was announced that the Seahawks traded their 32nd pick in the first round of the NFL football draft to the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, May 8, 2014 during the ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gal cheerleader carries a sign announcing the 13th pick of the first round of the NFL football draft, the selection by the St. Louis Rams of Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald during the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gal cheerleader carries a sign announcing the 13th pick of the first round of the NFL football draft, the selection by the St. Louis Rams of Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks fan Phil "Mr. Mohawk" Andruss, right, holds his replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he attends the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

Seattle Seahawks fan Phil "Mr. Mohawk" Andruss, right, holds his replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy as he attends the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gal cheerleader carries a sign announcing the 13th pick of the first round of the NFL football draft, the selection by the St. Louis Rams of Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald during the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gal cheerleader carries a sign announcing the 13th pick of the first round of the NFL football draft, the selection by the St. Louis Rams of Pittsburgh defensive tackle Aaron Donald ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A fan holds a "Draft Party Bingo" card at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. As players are drafted, fans try to complete rows for a Bingo. less

A fan holds a "Draft Party Bingo" card at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. As players are drafted, fans try to complete ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Fans pose for photos at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Fans pose for photos at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleader carries a sign to announce the 16th pick in the first round of the NFL football draft, the selection of Notre Dame offensive tackle Zack Martin by the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, May 8, 2014 during the Seahawks draft party at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleader carries a sign to announce the 16th pick in the first round of the NFL football draft, the selection of Notre Dame offensive tackle Zack Martin by the Dallas Cowboys, ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks fans pose for a photo with Phil "Mr. Mohawk" Andruss , second from left, and his replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

Seattle Seahawks fans pose for a photo with Phil "Mr. Mohawk" Andruss , second from left, and his replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleaders perform at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleaders perform at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleader carries a sign to announce the 16th pick in the first round of the NFL football draft, the selection of Notre Dame offensive tackle Zack Martin by the Dallas Cowboys, Thursday, May 8, 2014 during the Seahawks draft party at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleader carries a sign to announce the 16th pick in the first round of the NFL football draft, the selection of Notre Dame offensive tackle Zack Martin by the Dallas Cowboys, ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seahawks fan Dwight Kaestner, left, holds a replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy as Bryce Walker, right, takes his photo at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

Seahawks fan Dwight Kaestner, left, holds a replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy as Bryce Walker, right, takes his photo at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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New York Giants fan Greg Greenstein, right, of North Bend, Wash., cheers as he waits to hear that the Giants selected Louisiana State wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the first round of the NFL football draft as he attends the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

New York Giants fan Greg Greenstein, right, of North Bend, Wash., cheers as he waits to hear that the Giants selected Louisiana State wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the first round of the NFL football ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider addresses fans gathered at the Seahawks draft party from a giant video screen, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider addresses fans gathered at the Seahawks draft party from a giant video screen, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleaders perform at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleaders perform at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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New York Giants fan Greg Greenstein, right, of North Bend, Wash., reacts to the Giants picking Louisiana State wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the first round of the NFL football draft as he attends the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

New York Giants fan Greg Greenstein, right, of North Bend, Wash., reacts to the Giants picking Louisiana State wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. in the first round of the NFL football draft as he attends the ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seahawks fan Bryan Moe poses for a photo with a replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Seahawks fan Bryan Moe poses for a photo with a replica of the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Spectators wearing Seattle Seahawks "12th Man" fan jerseys watch a broadcast of the NFL football draft at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

Spectators wearing Seattle Seahawks "12th Man" fan jerseys watch a broadcast of the NFL football draft at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks fans pose for a photograph with the Super Bowl Vince Lombardi Trophy as they attend the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

Seattle Seahawks fans pose for a photograph with the Super Bowl Vince Lombardi Trophy as they attend the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks fans cheer just before it was announced that the Seahawks traded their 32nd pick in the first round of the NFL football draft to the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, May 8, 2014, during the Seahawks draft party at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

Seattle Seahawks fans cheer just before it was announced that the Seahawks traded their 32nd pick in the first round of the NFL football draft to the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, May 8, 2014, during the ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleader carries a sign to announce the 32nd pick in the first round of the NFL football draft, which the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks traded to the Minnesota Vikings, who selected Louisville quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, Thursday, May 8, 2014 during the Seahawks draft party at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle. less

A Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleader carries a sign to announce the 32nd pick in the first round of the NFL football draft, which the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks traded to the Minnesota Vikings, ... more

Photo: Ted S. Warren / Associated Press

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Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleaders perform at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.

Seattle Seahawks Sea Gals cheerleaders perform at the Seattle Seahawks NFL football draft party, Thursday, May 8, 2014 at the CenturyLink Field Events Center in Seattle.